Pakistan look to escape whitewash in Test series against South Africa

JOHANNESBURG: Pakistan face South Africa in the third and final Test at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday. South Africa have already won the three-match Test series 2-0 and will be looking to complete a whitewash before their next assignment. For Pakistan, the third Test offers one final shot at redeeming themselves and avoid a clean sweep in the five-day game before the ODI series begins. Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf could take the field against Proteas after Pakistan’s four specialist bowlers were worn down during South Africa’s first innings of 431 at Newlands. South Africa, on the other hand, will be without the services of captain Faf du Plessis after he was suspended for one Test because of his team’s slow over-rate in Cape Town. Du Plessis is likely to be replaced in the batting order by Zubayr Hamza. Shadab, Faheem expected to return as Pakistan look to avoid clean sweep Speaking at a press conference, senior Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali said that although his team were disappointed to have lost the series, they hoped to bring their “A game” to the Wanderers. “Any tour of South Africa you learn a lot,” said Azhar. “It is always tough. We tried to plan for it and practise for it but unfortunately, it did not go to plan. But there are still some things we think we have achieved. A few of the batsmen got stuck in and showed they can play on these wickets.” Azhar said the Wanderers pitch looked better for batting than those for the first two Tests. “It looks a better track. Yes, it has grass but in terms of cracks, I think they will widen much later than in the first two Test matches.” Stand in South African captain Dan Elgar said he has given a “blunt message” to his players ahead of the third and final Test against Pakistan.–Agencies